Good Reads: Three Business Books I Love

In business, like in life- we are constantly learning. I work with a business coach, attend networking and speaking events, and devour as many books on the biz as I can. If you’re hungry for knowledge like I am, you delight in always learning new things. Below you’ll find my recs for three business books that I just loved, and really learned from:

Blue Ocean Strategy. I loved this book for finally declaring what I always hoped was possible. Before reading this book, I believed business was only a dog-eat-dog world. I’ve always felt inspired and drawn to running a business and becoming an entreprenuer, but was turned off by the possibility of literally getting my throat cut! Traditionally being in business meant competing for advantage, battling over who will gain the market share, and struggling to be “better” than your rival. All this scrapping to get the top creates a bloody, or “red ocean” of conflict. Blue Ocean Strategy envisions an uncontested market space where a business rises above the competition and develops new ideas keeping and thus creating a “blue ocean” of innovation. A little bit of a technical read, you’ll be glad you plowed through it. Finally get the inspiration to make your Pilates business rise above your competition instead of getting slaughtered.

Refuse to Choose. Ever feel overwhelmed by your many interests or ideas? Frustrated by the nay sayers who say, “You have to choose something and stick with it”? Don’t think you’ll ever be able to make money doing what you love? If you answered yes to any of those questions, this book is for you. Barbara Sher believes that you don’t have to choose just one thing, but instead to do EVERYTHING! This career counselor and motivational speaker, calls these extraordinary types “Scanners”. Even if you don’t think you’re a scanner, you might have one working in your business so it will give you much needed insight. If it’s YOU that needs direction and you’re feeling lost…Refuse to Choose will give you hope and set you on track.

Steve Jobs. Ok, this book is a long one, but SO worth the time it takes to read. Whatever you think you’ve heard about Steve Jobs, you haven’t heard it all. He is hands down one of the most inspirational and creative genius’ of our time. Yes, he has a temper. Yes, he was a jerk from time to time. Yes, some of his business practices were questionable, BUT he made Apple what it is today. While many a programmer could of come up with the goods (and some did…ahem Microsoft), only Jobs had the talent to see the art in creating a brand. It was his genius alone that took his companies to their height. The book is juicy and interesting and will inspire you to stick to your gut and not stop until you get it right- no matter what anyone says.

Now it’s your turn! I want to hear what books you’re reading. Which ones have inspired you? What have you learned that has changed the way you do business? I challenge you to list (at least) one book you read and one lesson you learned. Oh, and make sure to share this with other entrepreneurs that might need some good reads too!

Need more help than a book can provide? Get a complimentary 30 min biz-nass strategy session via phone or Skype with me. Schedule it with just a click here.

[do action=”gray-contact-box” text=”Change your business for the better! Get tips and tricks in my biz-nass newsletter. It’s Free!”/]

One thought on “Good Reads: Three Business Books I Love”

Nice book selection, Lindsay. All sound interesting. Though I don’t tend to read business books, I’m an avid listener of BBC radio business programmes. I recommend The Bottom Line, where business leaders talk informally on various topics, such as problems they have faced, industry issues, etc. There’s a podcast, if you are interested:http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/bottomline